Ministries / Organizations

We invite you to consider an active role in the life of St. Stephen Parish. There are many opportunities for each person to offer his/her gifts in one or more of our many ministries outlined here. Please prayerfully think about your place as a member of our faith community and consider where you might most appropriately be involved.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."   - Colossians 3:23

BOARDS, COUNCILS & SOCIETIES
 

	PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL: is a consultative body that advises the Pastor and staff on financial matters. The Council assists in implementing pastoral initiatives by making fiscally responsible recommendations about programs and facilities.
	PASTORAL (PARISH) COUNCIL: is a consultative body that advises and assists the Pastor in all areas concerning the parish.
	SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD: is a consultative board that works closely with the Pastor, Principal and Business Manager in goal setting, planning, policy formation, finance, marketing, development, and evaluation.
	HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION: is an organization of parents of our school children that is actively involved in providing a wide array of social and fundraising events.
	HOLY NAME SOCIETY: an organization open to all men of the parish that offers opportunities for spiritual & social fellowship and service to our parish.
	ALTAR & ROSARY SOCIETY: an organization open to all women of the parish that cares for the liturgical vestments, linens, cleaning of the sanctuary and flower arrangements.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL     Visit:  www.ststephensgi.org 
 

ST. STEPHEN SCHOOL: a highly ranked school of excellence for Pre-K through 8th grade, accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In our school our core values are; Discipleship Embodied ● Partnership Embraced ● Scholarship Celebrated ● Leadership Modeled ● Citizenship Personified.

PARISH CEMETERY     E-Mail:  sscemetery@roadrunner.com
 

ST. STEPHEN CEMETERY: a beautifully maintained facility is located on parish grounds, that offers in-ground burial, a Columbarium for cremains, and a Mausoleum. Services are open to all.

FAITH FORMATION

 

	RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: provides faith formation for youth in public schools from Pre-K through high school.  Call 716-773-2002
	CATECHISTS: are our valued volunteer teachers who work with the Director of Religious Education in the faith formation of the young people of our parish.
	BAPTISM PREPARATION TEAM: helps families prepare for the reception of the sacrament of Baptism.
	MARRIAGE PREPARATON TEAM: assists engaged couples in strengthening their relationship as they prepare for marriage.
	RCIA - the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process for welcoming people into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
	MEN’S GROUP: meets Wednesday Mornings at 6:30 am in church library for prayer, scripture, and fellowship.
	BIBLE STUDY & SMALL FAITH GROUPS: are offered on a continuing basis throughout the year at a multitude of times for the convenience of all parishioners.
	MISSION: an eight consecutive evenings of spiritual renewal offered each Lent for all ages. Mission consists of guest speakers, fellowship meals, prayer services, and discussion.
	THE ALPHA COURSE: meets weekly for ten sessions and presents some of the basis teachings of the Christian faith. Sessions include a meal, presentation, discussion, and prayer in a safe, fun and non-threatening atmosphere.  Click here for the Alpha registration form in pdf format.
	Alpha-4-YOU-th: is an extension of the Alpha course for the youth of the parish.

SERVICE

 

	YOUTH MINISTRY: is guided by our Youth Minister and volunteer adults to provide social, religious, and service opportunities for our middle school and high school youth. They meet year round in the Youth Ministry Center.  E-Mail:  ssym@roadrunner.com or click here to visit our Youth Ministry page.
	BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE: There are three areas of bereavement support that our parish is so fortunate to have available.  They are listed below for your convenience.  Funeral Liturgy Planners - Volunteers that visit the family of a departed loved one to assist in planning the funeral liturgy.  Bereavement Meal Ministry - Teams of volunteers that prepare, present, and serve a wonderful meal for the family and friends of a deceased parishioner.  Grief Support Group - A support group that enables those who have experienced loss to share feelings with others who have shared similar situations.
	RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE: furthers the Pro-Life position of the church.
	SCOUTING PROGRAMS: are sponsored by our parish with adult leaders directing the programs that are geared to boys & girls from the ages of 8 to late teens.
	DECORATING COMMITTEE: the committee works under the Altar & Rosary Society to enhance the appearance of the new and old churches throughout the year.
	EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS TO THE SICK: volunteer parishioners who bring Holy Communion to the homebound.
	MEAL MINISTRY: supplies meals to families that may be suffering from grief or short term illness.
	MILITARY MINISTRY:  parishioners who collect items and donations to be used to create care packages for our men and women serving in the military.
	COLLECTION COUNTERS: meet weekly to count and prepare the weekend offerings for deposit.
	BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC: is scheduled one weekend per month, under the direction of parish nurses.
	PASTORAL CARE ASSOCIATE: coordinates various ministries for the sick, hospitalized, homebound & those in nursing homes.
	COFFEE & DONUTS: offered after two morning masses to provide fellowship among our parishioners and facilitated by volunteers.
	LADIES OF CHARITY: provide help and cheer to those in need.
	PARISH PLAYERS: a community based theater group open to all on Grand Island that offers a yearly production.
	ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CLOTHING COLLECTION BINS: are on our premises to receive your donations.
	FOOD PANTRY: is housed in our old church under the direction of the Grand Island Neighbors Foundation.
	PARISH LIBRARY: is open to all parishioners and has an extensive collection of books & videos on religious topics.
	PRAYER CHAIN: a phone tree of parishioners who will pray for your needs when you contact the rectory.
	GARDEN CLUB: dedicated volunteers who see to the beautification of parish grounds.
	CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMITTEE: oversees all aspects of the yearly diocesan appeal.
	KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Mary, Star of the Sea Council is located on Grand Island. While not a parish organization it actively involves many Catholic men on Grand Island and beyond.

WORSHIP

 

	LECTORS: are readers that proclaim the scripture at daily and weekend masses.
	ALTAR SERVERS: are boys and girls in 5th grade and older who assist the priest at weekend and special masses.
	ADULT ALTAR SERVERS: are men and women who assist at parish funerals.
	CANTORS: are volunteers who lead the congregational singing at weekend and special masses.
	EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: are trained volunteers who distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at parish masses.
	MUSIC MINISTRY: consists of a Parish Choir and Contemporary Ensemble which enhance Sunday and special masses.
	USHERS & GREETERS: provide a welcome into our church, take up the offering, and provide assistance as needed.
	CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD: is offered during the 11:00 A.M. mass.
	EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: offered Thursdays from 12:30 P.M – 5:00 P.M. in the daily mass chapel.

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church."  - 1 Corinthians 12:7